Clairefontaine Shop

Located in the Vosges region of France, Clairefontaine was established in 1863 on the site of a 16th century paper mill. The firm is noted for being the first school stationery manufacturer in France, and, to this day, European students from kindergarten through doctoral studies appreciate the fine quality of Clairefontaine's notebooks.

Clairefontaine is currently the only manufacturer making its own paper for its own products. This guarantees not only consistent quality, but also controls the environmental impact of the manufacturing process. Clairefontaine reduces its water consumption through advanced recycling of the water used in the production process. The water is returned to the River Meurthe cleaner than when it arrived at the Vosges mill. The water is so clean when it leaves the facility local people can fish, boat and swim downstream within sight of the mill.

Another point of interest: The ink of all Clairefontaine and Rhodia products have been changed to abide by the most stringent European environmental standards such as REACH and NF. They are now water based rather than petroleum or solvent based. They are non toxic and non irritating. While the colors remain the same, they are now made from vegetable oil pigments rather than mineral one. Those inks can be made from a variety of sources including soy-bean, corn and linseed oils.